FAQ

Although we have indexed the Vending Machine FAQ for your convenience, we highly recommend reading this section completely.

Why is 1.800.VENDING the #1 Choice of Vending Entrepreneurs?

Over the years in selling a variety of quality vending machine products, our office has purchased, scrutinized and/or thoroughly tested virtually every vending machine you see advertised in the market today. Our extensive research and development led us to introduce the most ideal soda/snack machine ever – the 1.800.VENDING Refreshment Station. As an owner-operator, your primary goal is to maximize your vending machines. Rest assured that this will be achieved with our exclusively built Refreshment Station, our unbeatable long-term support and the strongest guarantees in the industry. There’s a reason we’re recognized as the World Leader in the Vending Machine Industry.

What makes 1.800.VENDING’s Refreshment Station the best?

To sum it up: “All the Virtues; None of the Vices”. In other words, all the things you want in a soda/snack machine, and none of the things you don’t want. If you’re serious about making money, then you want a machine with exceptional looks, elegance and class. You want a machine that has the capability of accepting credit & debit cards. You want a machine that enables you as the operator the convenience of Remote Machine Monitoring (RMM). You want the optimal number of product selections for most consumers. You want a 7-year Limited Warranty. You want the easiest vending machine to service. You want a machine that can not only vend all the major snacks & drinks, but also vend bottled water, sports drinks and energy drinks in a variety of sizes (most machines can’t). You want versatility, security and stability.

Why choose 1.800.VENDING for your vending equipment?

Experience. Reputation. Innovation. Not only do you want a vending machine you can depend on; you want a company you can rely on. Welcome to 1.800.VENDING. Our equipment, personal support and professionalism are unparalleled in the industry.

Why is having a soda/snack machine capable of accepting credit cards (in addition to cash) important?

It’s very simple. Everyone knows Americans are quickly moving toward what’s called a “cashless society”. Although there will always be a need to have cash on hand, more and more consumers are using credit and debit cards to make their purchases – both large & small. For some people, it’s about the “reward points” they receive; for others, it’s about not having to carry around as much cash. For everyone, it’s about convenience. Although vending has been known as an “all-cash” business, numerous case studies are confirming that adding the option of “cashless vending technology” enables route operators to raise prices,

What is Remote Machine Monitoring (RMM) – and how does it work?

In addition to the capability of your Refreshment Stations accepting credit/debit cards, they are also equipped with the ability of Remote Machine Monitoring (RMM). Quite simply, RMM is a much more effective and efficient way to monitor and manage sales, profit margins, inventory, etc. – all from your PC or laptop. Imagine receiving a confidential report each day that breaks down everything you want to know about how each of your Refreshment Stations performed the previous day – gross sales; net profit; exactly what and how many of each product was sold; how much was collected in cash; how much in coins; how much in credit cards; how much in debit cards… you get the idea. POWERFUL information at your fingertips — that can be viewed and monitored in your pajamas.

Do I need to give a percentage of the money I make to the location?

Not usually. The business owner allows the machine in his/her establishment because it is a convenience to their customers and/or employees. In the event they do ask for a percentage, we have a very effective strategy that you can utilize where you don’t have to pay a fee. Ask your 1.800.VENDING representative for details.

Are there good locations available in my area?

Yes! There are prime locations available across the United States and Canada. There are most likely hundreds of locations available right in your own market area. Your 1.800.VENDING Training Program provides you with a list of the top 100 locations for your vending machines. You won’t believe how many there are!

How often do I restock each machine?

Most restock their Refreshment Stations once each week, on average.

How long does it take to service each location?

Because our Refreshment Station is the most simple soda/snack machine to service, it takes only about 20 minutes to service each location. Service time will increase if you are changing the machine to vend a different sized bottle or can. Most machines do not allow this flexibility in product choice.

Why is it important to have a 7-year Limited Warranty?

It’s not just important to have a 7-year Limited Warranty – it’s critical. Your Refreshment Stations are income-producing assets. It’s not worth skimping on an investment with your hard-earned money. You need the ideal vending machine to get into the best locations – but even more importantly, to STAY in the best locations. Malfunctioning machines take customers’ money and cause headaches for the location. Continuing problems will cause the location to ask to have the machine removed and a new location must be found. The bottom line is: No 7-year Limited Warranty on the Entire Vending Machine = Bad Investment Decision.

Why is it important to have a 7-year Limited Warranty?

It’s not just important to have a 7-year Limited Warranty – it’s critical. Your Refreshment Stations are income-producing assets. It’s not worth skimping on an investment with your hard-earned money. You need the ideal vending machine to get into the best locations – but even more importantly, to STAY in the best locations. Malfunctioning machines take customers’ money and cause headaches for the location. Continuing problems will cause the location to ask to have the machine removed and a new location must be found. The bottom line is: No 7-year Limited Warranty on the Entire Vending Machine = Bad Investment Decision.

To maximize your cash flow, and therefore your investment, you need the optimal number of choices in product selection. Too few choices equals less money put into your vending machines – and therefore your pocket. Too many choices equals stale, unsold product – as the “law of diminishing returns” proves. We have found that 21 Snack & 8 Drink selections are the ideal number of options for most consumers.

Why is it so important for my machines to vend energy drinks in a variety of sizes?

Not only are energy drinks extremely popular in public locations, employers love them as well – as they provide tired employees with a burst of energy for increased productivity. In addition to vending all the major bottled water & sports drinks, your Refreshment Stations will also vend 8oz-20oz cans of energy drinks. 1.800.VENDING doesn’t want you to miss out on this exploding, multi-billion dollar market.

What are the best products to use – does it really matter?

With scores of different products available, what you fill your machines with will depend on each location. 1.800.VENDING will provide the best tips and strategies based on the types of locations your Refreshment Stations are in – as well as who the patrons of your machines are. For example: your Refreshment Stations may be in an auto repair shop or in the break room for 100 employees. 1.800.VENDING provides the industry’s most comprehensive vending software to track and therefore maximize your revenues. Strategy is the name of the game!

How many products can each Refreshment Station hold?

Each Refreshment Station can hold almost 340 individual snacks and drinks. We have found this to be the ideal amount of product to store in a single machine/location in order to maintain ideal freshness for your customers.

Are the profit margins on drinks and snacks really that good?

They’re incredible! The best part is, these name-brand products are advertised for you with multi-million dollar budgets by manufacturers like Pepsi, Coca Cola, Red Bull, M&M/Mars, Hershey’s, etc. These staple companies do all the advertising for you!

Where is the best place to purchase product for my Refreshment Stations?

Not from a vending company. The best place for you to purchase your product – for freshness and the best price – is your local Sam’s Club, Costco, BJ’s or any other discount buying club. 1.800.VENDING will also supply you with legitimate wholesalers where you can buy name-brand product direct.

Will I need a truck or van for my equipment?

Not usually. Most use with the vehicle they already own. Some choose to invest in a company vehicle, which can be a great tax deduction.

Will I need any employees?

No. One person can service scores of machines on a part-time basis.

How soon after making my investment can I start making money?

You can start making money immediately following the placement of your Refreshment Stations.

Do I need to worry about shipping damage?

Unlike most vending companies, 1.800.VENDING won’t make you go through the hassles of filing a claim with the shipping company should there be any damage to your machines. In the unlikely event of shipping damage, we will resolve the matter quickly without delay.

Aren’t there tax advantages?

Absolutely. In fact, they’re outstanding! According to Section 179 of the United States Internal Revenue Code, during 2012 – as a purchaser of new vending equipment – you may be able to receive a tax deduction for the entire amount of your initial capital investment up to $125,000! Additionally, you as an investor are allowed tax deductions for expenses incurred in generating and collecting revenues and in operating and servicing your equipment. Consult your tax advisor to be sure you take advantage of the numerous tax deductions and depreciation in starting and operating your vending machines.

Does 1.800.VENDING offer any guarantees?

Yes. 1.800.VENDING is so confident in the success of our Refreshment Stations that we offer our “Five Star Guarantee” in writing. This includes our 7-year Limited Warranty on each and every part of every Refreshment Station, our Lifetime Vandalism/Fire/Theft Protection Guarantee, as well as our Shipping Assurance Guarantee.

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